Gear Review: Topo MT Mountain Trainer Trail Runners

Having put my pancake feet through more than their share of beatings, I am now very aware of what they crave.

After a long and tedious search, and after having tested many a pair of shoes on the trails, finally a shoe has emerged as a clear favorite.

The Topo MT.

I’ve put roughly 500 miles on these bad boys and they are still rocking, so my feet and I believe it’s finally time for a shout out. My feet have never been happier.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links used in this post are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to use any of these links to make a purchase. I personally use this gear, and I recommend (or don’t recommend) it based on firsthand experience – not because a third-party has asked or paid me to promote their products. If you do decide to make a purchase, shoot me a message on Facebook or Twitter so that I can thank you personally!

THE SPECS

Weight: 6.8 oz (W7); 8.2 oz (M9)

Anatomic shape for natural foot positioning

3-Density mid-sole for plating protection and comfort underfoot

Lugged out-sole for multi-directional traction

19 mm X 17 mm total stack height (2 mm drop)

Seamless printed upper pattern on breathable mesh

MSRP: $100 US

Hundreds of miles and still going strong.

WHAT WE LIKE

THE FIT | Straight out of the box I was impressed. Supportive in the mid-foot but roomy in the toe box (without feeling like clown slippers). All smooth on the inside, no rubbing hot spots to speak of.

THE FEEL | Walking in these is so natural I forget to take them off. They are feather light (men’s size 9 weighs 8.2 oz). The 4 mm heel to toe drop keeps my stride unconscious and agile. The wide toe box lets my toes spread out for better stability and airflow (important to avoid blisters in between the little piggies). I can feel the ground beneath the sole, yet there is just enough protection to keep my feet happy.

THE DURABILITY | After 500 grueling trail miles through mountains, rivers, and a healthy dosage of bushwhacking, I still feel confident loading up a week of food and hitting the trail. For $100, that right there is a high V-Factor!

Could pose a problem in incredibly rough terrain.

WHAT WE NO LIKE

THE SOLE | The bottom of this shoe is almost completely rubber, except a few slots. This exposed foam is a weak point that has let rocks and dirt under the rubber, encouraging the rubber to peel off. The rubber is also starting to detach from the toe and heel.

THE PROTECTION | While I feel safe enough, I wouldn’t mind sacrificing some of the flexibility for some rock protection underneath. I might wish for a slight addition of protection once I hit the High Sierra of California or the Rockies in Colorado.

Wear and tear.

CONCLUSION

I have received many questions about these shoes while on trail, and unless the person is wearing a 50+ pound pack, I recommend them.

They are perfect for the mindful, graceful stepper who doesn’t mind avoiding obstacles instead of barreling over them. It is quite nice to not worry about my feet on a 3000 mile hike, try some on.

A Michigan-bred champion of life, Appa the Sky Bison is currently pursuing his second tour of the Pacific Crest Trail. If he is good to us he will continue to occasionally update us with reports from the trail. Want to get in touch with Mr. Bison? Leave a comment below or get in touch via the contact page.

ABOUT

Halfway Anywhere started out in 2011 as a way for me to share my travels with friends and family. Since then it has grown tremendously into a not only a collection of my own stories and travels, but as a resource for anyone looking to step into the world of adventure.

My mission is to provide and share information gathered from firsthand experience to make travel more accessible to everyone looking to escape those prohibitive zones of comfort.